Bangladesh Captain Nigar Sultana Joty is choosing to focus on the encouraging performances from her side’s first bilateral ODI series in Australia, despite a 3-0 defeat to the hosts.
The visitors’ tour ended with an eight-wicket loss in the third and final ODI at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Wednesday, 14 October.
Bangladesh were bowled out for 172 in 49.5 overs, with half-centuries from Sharmin Akhter and Shorna Akter helping them put up a fight.
Australia chased down the target with ease, reaching 175/2 in just 22.4 overs to complete the clean sweep.
While the results did not go Bangladesh’s way, the series provided several milestones and promising performances for Joty’s side to build on.
The second ODI was a particularly memorable outing for Sobhana Mostary, who recorded the highest individual score by a Bangladesh batter in Women’s ODIs (118) and became the first player from the country to score a century against Australia.
Her innings, combined with a crucial partnership of 195 runs with Joty, helped Bangladesh recover after losing early wickets and post a fighting total. The stand was also the highest partnership for Bangladesh in Women’s ODIs.
Reflecting on the tour, Joty highlighted the contributions from across her squad and the experience her players gained against a formidable opponent.
“Each and every game, one of the players came up for the team, and we have taken a lot of positives from here and will implement them in the future. We will take a lot of learnings from this series,” she said.
The tour also offered opportunities for two young pace bowlers to make their mark at international level.
Habiba Islam made her ODI debut in the opening match and finished with Bangladesh’s best bowling figures, taking 2/36 in six overs after dismissing Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney.
Disha Biswas made her first ODI appearance in the series finale and claimed the important wicket of Mooney, who was playing her 100th ODI.
Their contributions gave Bangladesh further encouragement as they continue to develop their squad.
Joty was pleased with how the young players responded to the challenge of competing in Australia.
“We have seen a few young players do well. We had two debutants as well. It was challenging for them, but they gave their 100 percent in the middle,” she added.
The experience will be important as Bangladesh look to improve their position in the ICC Women’s Championship.
They currently sit eighth in the standings, with one win from six matches, and will be aiming to collect valuable points on their tour of New Zealand.
The ODI leg against the White Ferns begins on 18 December.